Danish singer Emmelie de Forest says she turned down an invitation to perform at a company party hosted by arms manufacturer Terma, where Medina and Christopher took the stage.
De Forest, who won the Eurovision Song Contest for Denmark in 2013, described her decision on the DR radio program P1 Debat. DR reported on Tuesday that several prominent Danish artists were invited to the event, and that not all of them accepted.
The party was held on Friday, September 11, at HCA Airport outside Odense. According to DR, Terma supplies components for Israeli F-35 fighter aircraft. The company has been the focus of debate in Denmark since the concert.
Asked by P1 Debat host Gitte Hansen why she said no, de Forest said performing at such events would go against her values. She referred to the war in Gaza, saying some things are more important than money.
She also said that she takes a side when she decides whether or not to step onto a stage. De Forest added that she has respect for the Danish band Lukas Graham, which withdrew from Ed Sheeran’s tour after rapper Macklemore was dropped as opening act over pro-Palestinian statements.
Criticism of Medina
Medina’s decision to perform at the party drew immediate criticism. TV 2 reported the criticism on the night of the concert and noted that Terma had no comment at the time.
Ekstra Bladet reported that Medina performed for more than 1,000 Terma employees. The outlet framed the criticism as a contradiction between her public support for Palestinians and her appearance at the event.
Medina has previously voiced support for the Palestinian people, and DR notes that she has faced accusations of hypocrisy since the performance. Ekstra Bladet also reported de Forest’s account of declining the invitation, describing the choice as an easy one.
Musician Christopher also performed at the Terma party. According to DR, his appearance did not trigger the same level of reaction as Medina’s, who had earlier taken a public position on the war between Israel and Hamas.
The debate over the concert comes as public opinion in Denmark has been shaped by the war in Gaza, including broad Danish opposition to Israel’s offensive. The P1 Debat program in which de Forest spoke addressed whether musicians should take political positions from the stage.
DR reached out to Terma for comment. The company declined to comment on both de Forest’s statements and the criticism directed at Medina after her performance.
